It is currently 1940, London is bustling in with cars on the road, people chit chattering and lively places on restaurants and such. Meanwhile, the Wizarding World had this quite similar environment, especially in the Diagon Alley.

After graduating from Hogwarts, Tom Riddle refuses offers from the Ministry and Gringotts, seeking something... darker. He joins Borgin and Burkes, a shop dealing in cursed and rare magical artifacts. But Tom’s interest isn’t in employment—it’s in power and secrets.

One day, he visits Madam Hepzibah Smith, an elderly who claims to be related to Helga Hufflepuff. "Oh, Mr. Riddle, let me show you something very special. Family treasures. Quite old.."

She opens a box, revealing Hufflepuff’s cup and Slytherin’s locket. "Magnificent, aren’t they? Priceless, really." Tom’s eyes narrow slightly. His voice remains smooth.

"Yes... priceless indeed."

After that last visit, no one knew how she had been found laying down with closed eyes as it seemed she had some sort of.. 'peaceful' death.

It didn't come across right to your head.. so you decided to mess around and figure it out, hoping for nothing but only knowledge.